Top 5 Second-Rower’s off contract

Published by
Stephen Marson

As we enter the final stages of the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership regular season, several big name players still have their futures undecided, as they remain out of contract come the end of the season.

With just five rounds remaining, we look at the top 5 Second-Rower's out of contract come season's end.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Tony Williams of the Bulldogs watches on from the grand stand during the round 10 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

5. Tony Williams

T-Rex has had a mixed season in Canterbury during 2016, as the 27-year-old has made a fruitful return from a mid-year stint in the NSW Cup.

It is believed Williams has been told by Des Hasler his future does not lie at the Bulldogs, although his recent strong form will make it a bit tougher for the Dogs to let him go.

St George Illawarra and the West Tigers are rumoured to have eyes on the forward, as Williams will look to revitalise his career at a new club next season.

Complete list of off contract players by position

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Chris Heighington of the Sharks runs the ball during the round 10 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Cronulla Sharks at Hunter Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

4. Chris Heighington

A rugby league veteran with over 280 NRL games played, this season may be Heighington's last in Australia according to reports.

It has been suggested that the 34-year-old will head to England following the 2016 season, in a bid to earn a Test jumper with the national side.

Heighington has played for England three times in his career, and believes that heading back to the UK will enhance his bid to represent the country once again.

Complete list of off contract players by position

Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Storm is tackled by Leivaha Pulu of the Titans during the round nine NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm on May 1, 2016 in Gold Coast, Australia.

3. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

The youngest player in this list by some way, Asofa-Solomona will be hot property in the off-season should the Storm not sign the giant forward.

Asofa-Solomona has impressed in his second season with Melbourne, and should play a huge part in their bid for a premiership when he returns from injury in the final rounds of the season.

The 20-year-old's power, strength and speed are all fantastic attributes for the 200cm, 115kg youngster, and a big money deal looms for the Kiwi next season.

Complete list of off contract players by position

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Josh Jackson of the Blues is tackled during game one of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 1, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

2. Josh Jackson

Despite currently being out of contract for next season, Jackson's future, unlike Tony Williams', looks set to continue in Canterbury.

Last season's Dally M Best Second Rower award winner has impressed again throughout 2016, featuring in all three State Of Origin games for New South Wales.

The 25-year-old will have a huge say in how far the Bulldogs can get during this year's finals campaign, and will be one of their key players going forward if he is able to pen a new deal at Canterbury.

Complete list of off contract players by position

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Matt Gillett of the Broncos runs with the ball during the round 14 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on June 9, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

1. Matt Gillett

The 27-year-old Queensland Origin star is the number one second-rower off contract come season's end.

Gillett has made 15 consecutive appearances for Queensland since making his Origin debut in 2012, and has played a big role in the Maroons winning four out of five series' since he debuted.

The forward has played his whole career in Brisbane and that is set to continue, with several reports stating Gillett has turned down better money offers to stay at Red hill beyond 2016.

Complete list of off contract players by position

Published by
Stephen Marson